Moscow, 24 November 2003 (RFE/RL) -- Moscow police say 32 people were killed and more than 100 injured in a fire early today at a university dormitory in the capital. The fire swept through a five-story dormitory housing international students at the Patrice Lumumba Friendship of the Peoples University. The Interfax news agency said the dead and injured included students from China, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and several African countries.
Moscow police spokesman Pavel Klimovskii told news agencies that 28 bodies were recovered inside the building, three were found outside, and another victim died in an ambulance. Some of the victims reportedly jumped from the upper stories of the building to escape the flames.
Authorities said the fire may have been caused by an electrical short circuit, but arson has not been ruled out.
Moscow police spokesman Pavel Klimovskii told news agencies that 28 bodies were recovered inside the building, three were found outside, and another victim died in an ambulance. Some of the victims reportedly jumped from the upper stories of the building to escape the flames.
Authorities said the fire may have been caused by an electrical short circuit, but arson has not been ruled out.